'Captain of ship' beat, threatened to kill girlfriend, police say

A 53-year-old man beat his girlfriend Sunday in Allentown and threatened to kill her, boasting he's "the captain of the ship," according to court records.

Scott Hartman, of the 300 block of West Brookdale Street, allegedly punched his girlfriend twice in the face, causing a cut inside her mouth, and then tried to throw her down the steps, according to court records. The victim told police Hartman also threatened to kill her, according to court records.

She said Hartman said he's "the captain of the ship and has no problem watching her take her last breath," according to court records.

Hartman was charged with simple assault, harassment and terroristic threats. He was arraigned by District Judge David M. Howells Jr. and sent to Lehigh County Jail under $5,000 bail.